Porta San Francesco

Porta San Francesco is a southern gate in Anagni's sixteenth-century walls. Its round travertine arch bears the arms of Pope Pius IV on the keystone; outside, a relief shows Saint Francis above the insignia of Torquato Conti.

Why it matters

The gate belongs to the 1565 fortification works around Anagni, a major campaign adapting the medieval walls to changing military needs. Its decoration brings together the pope who authorized the work, the Franciscan presence nearby and the military commissioner associated with the bastions.

What to notice

The semicircular arch is built from travertine blocks. Pius IV's arms mark the keystone. On the exterior, a bas-relief depicts Saint Francis kneeling in prayer, with the insignia of Torquato Conti beneath it. The gate opens onto Piazza Innocenzo III.

Context and history

In 1565, extensive fortification works reshaped Anagni's perimeter. The gate is also recorded under the older name Porta del Sole. It was partly destroyed in 1944 and reconstructed after the war.